Showbiz insiders have tipped the gorgeous Rhondda boyo to be in the running to host the next series of the show when it returns this summer.

After bubbly Kate Thornton's shock exit from the show, Simon Cowell admitted he was under pressure to make changes to keep his hit a ratings winner.

"ITV wanted to make some changes to the show. They likened it to Coronation Street. You have to change and add to the cast every couple of years. It's how you keep a show successful," Cowell said.

With his good looks, cheeky charm and charisma, 29-year-old presenter Steve would be an ideal choice for the show's new look.

Before joining the T4 presenting team at Channel 4, he filmed four series of The Pop Factory for HTV Wales, introducing and interviewing pop bands and solo artists. He also hosted The Pop Factory Awards 2002.

Steve has since become a celebrity in his own right, being romantically linked with a harem of beauties including Pamela Anderson and Halle Berry.

ITV remain tight-lipped on the topic of Thornton's replacement.

Cowell would only reveal: "There are a lot of people being considered, that's all I can say."

According to TV insiders, Ben Shepherd, Patrick Kielty and Dermot O'Leary are also likely contenders.